Job Opportunities in United States

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Our Mission

It is the mission of New Mexico's Game and Fish Department: "To conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico using a flexible management system that ensures sustainable use for public food supply, recreation and safety; and to provide for off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes cultural, historic, and resource values while ensuring public safety."

Please visit our website for more information at https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/

The Wildlife Management Division is responsible for providing long-term, sustainable management of New Mexico's game species. Within the Wildlife Management Division, the private land programs work with landowners to address concerns they have with wildlife on private deeded land.
Why does the job exist?

This position serves the southeast region of New Mexico and is administratively serviced by the Roswell office. This position is the primary point of contact for landowners in the southeastern region of New Mexico and has two primary functions. The first function is working with landowners to resolve depredation complaints. In this capacity, the SE Area Private Land Specialist works with landowners to identify the problem and develop a solution to resolve or minimize the issue. The second function is to assist private landowners to improve their property for the benefit of wildlife populations. Private land provides substantial recreational opportunity to the hunters, anglers and trappers of New Mexico and represents an important source of income to landowners and rural communities. The SE Area Private Land Specialist works cooperatively with interested landowners to develop and implement management plans to improve their private property for the benefit of wildlife.
How does it get done?

Management of Human/Wildlife Interactions

Become familiar with all Department programs available to assist landowners that are experiencing problems with wildlife. Recognize that these situations are complex. Be willing to think ¿outside the box¿ and work with your supervisor to find creative solutions to problems. Make sure all wildlife complaints are thoroughly documented and that all Department rules, regulations and protocols are followed. Work cooperatively with district wildlife officers throughout the southeast region to resolve wildlife complaints. Incorporate and include the thoughts and ideas of regional biologists and district officers into the complaint resolution process. Work with district wildlife officers throughout the southeast region to ensure they understand the wildlife complaint and intervention process; provide supplemental training as necessary. Ensure all interventions are addressed in a timely manner.

Private Land Management

Become familiar with all Department of Game and Fish landowner programs (i.e., Open Gate and EPLUS). Become familiar with landowner programs offered by other state or federal agencies and use this knowledge to assist landowners. Identify landowners interested in improving their property for wildlife, conduct property reviews and work with these landowners to develop conservation plans that will allow them to meet their management goals. Be familiar with the habitat requirements and life history needs of a wide variety of wildlife species. Be familiar with habitat improvement techniques and methods; know how they can be applied to benefit wildlife. Assist landowners to identify potential funding sources to implement their conservation plans. Identify and work with other agencies or groups when practical to accomplish projects greater than could be achieved through Department programs alone.

Administration and Customer Service

Develop a strong understanding of what can and cannot be accomplished through the programs of the Department and other agencies. Stay current on the most recent issues affecting wildlife management on private property and human/wildlife interactions. Stay current with programs offered by other organizations that may be useful to address these issues. Work with regional staff to ensure they have all the materials and equipment necessary to respond to wildlife complaints. Prepare and submit bids and purchase order requests as needed. Maintain the highest level of professionalism. Establish and maintain good communication with landowners and Department staff. Keep your supervisory chain up-to-date with the status of projects and interventions.
Who are the customers?

Landowners throughout southeastern New Mexico. Other Department of Game and Fish staff, including biologists, district officers and administrators. Cooperating staff from other state or federal agencies.
Ideal Candidate

Landowners throughout southeastern New Mexico. Other Department of Game and Fish staff, including biologists, district officers and administrators. Cooperating staff from other state or federal agencies.
Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries science management, wildlife science management, animal science, forestry, ecology, or similar related natural resource degree and two (2) years directly related work experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions

This job requires both office work and field work. Office work - normal indoor environment with continuous sitting, significant amounts of time using a computer and talking on the phone. Some standing at fax and copy machines, lifting of moderately heavy items (10-40 lb), such as boxes of paper, envelopes and annually prepared documents. Field work - normal outdoor environment including exposure to sun, wind, rain, snow and biting insects. Must be able to operate a 4x4 vehicle, operate an off highway vehicle and pull trailers loaded with equipment and supplies. The ability to use firearms is required. The ability to use power tools is required. The ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 80 pounds and sometimes more) such as fencing materials is required. Occasional out of office travel is required. Occasional overnight travel is required. Occasional weekend or evening work is required. The ability to work outside in inclement weather (hot, cold, rain, snow, etc.) is occasionally required.
Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Michael Sullins, NWA Private Lands Specialist Supervisor Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.